Can Non-Warlocks Cast Eldritch Blast?

The simple answer is: yes, and no, depending on how you approach the question. While Eldritch Blast is primarily the iconic cantrip of the Warlock class in Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) 5th Edition, there are specific circumstances where non-Warlocks can gain access to this powerful magical attack. It’s crucial to understand the mechanics behind the spell, its associated Eldritch Invocations, and the rules surrounding class features and feats to grasp the full picture. Let’s delve into the details.

The Warlock’s Domain: Eldritch Blast and Invocations

Eldritch Blast is a powerful cantrip that fires beams of raw magical energy, dealing force damage. As a cantrip, it scales with character level, granting additional beams as you progress, rather than simply increasing damage dice. This is what makes it unique among cantrips, providing multiple attack rolls. However, the real power of Eldritch Blast comes from Eldritch Invocations, which are special abilities that Warlocks can choose as they gain levels. Many of these invocations directly enhance Eldritch Blast, adding effects like increased damage (Agonizing Blast), the ability to push enemies (Repelling Blast), and extended range (Eldritch Spear).

The Feat Exception: Magic Initiate and Eldritch Blast

The main avenue for a non-Warlock to access Eldritch Blast is through the Magic Initiate feat. This feat allows you to choose a class and learn two cantrips from that class’s spell list, along with one 1st-level spell. If you choose Warlock as the class, you can learn Eldritch Blast. This is where the “yes” part of the answer comes into play.

However, here is a critical point: while the Magic Initiate feat grants Eldritch Blast, it does not grant access to the Warlock’s Eldritch Invocations. This means you can cast Eldritch Blast, but you won’t have access to its powerful modifiers unless you also have levels in the Warlock class. This limitation is the reason for the “no” part of the answer. You can cast the cantrip, but it will lack the full potency Warlocks enjoy.

Class Features and Limited Access

There is one other way for a non-Warlock to access Eldritch Blast. Specifically, the Bard class can choose spells from other class lists when using the Magical Secrets feature at level 10. This gives the Bard access to Eldritch Blast, but like with Magic Initiate, they cannot benefit from Eldritch Invocations without also taking levels in the Warlock class. A Bard can cast Eldritch Blast, but it will not gain the same optimization possible with Warlock.

A Summary: Eldritch Blast Outside the Warlock

To be clear, if you have no levels in the Warlock class, you can only get Eldritch Blast through feats like Magic Initiate, or class features like the Bard’s Magical Secrets. However, with this method, you cannot acquire any Eldritch Invocations that enhance Eldritch Blast. Any Invocation that has a prerequisite can only be chosen by a Warlock who meets that prerequisite.

Therefore, while a non-Warlock can cast the base Eldritch Blast cantrip, it will be weaker and less versatile than the version used by a Warlock who benefits from its class specific Invocations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the nuances surrounding Eldritch Blast:

Can a non-Warlock take Eldritch Invocations through a feat?

No. If an Eldritch Invocation has a prerequisite, you can only choose that Invocation if you are a Warlock and meet that prerequisite. A non-Warlock cannot get Warlock Invocations from a feat.

Can you get Agonizing Blast without being a Warlock?

No. The prerequisite for Agonizing Blast is that the character has Eldritch Blast and is a Warlock. Although you can gain Eldritch Blast from a feat, you cannot access the invocations without levels in the Warlock class.

Can you cast Eldritch Blast with War Caster?

Yes, you can cast Eldritch Blast with War Caster. War Caster allows you to cast spells as a reaction when an enemy provokes an opportunity attack. Cantrips are considered spells, so Eldritch Blast would be a valid reaction in this situation.

Can a Bard cast Eldritch Blast?

Yes, a Bard can learn Eldritch Blast by using their Magical Secrets feature at level 10. This feature allows Bards to learn spells from other class lists. However, similar to the Magic Initiate feat, they cannot gain the benefits of Eldritch Invocations without levels in Warlock.

Why is Eldritch Blast considered a powerful cantrip?

Eldritch Blast is powerful because it scales by gaining additional attacks instead of more damage dice. This makes it uniquely positioned to benefit from abilities that add to individual attack rolls. Additionally, Eldritch Invocations provide further customization and optimization.

Do Hexblades get Eldritch Blast?

Yes, Hexblade Warlocks, like all other Warlocks, get access to Eldritch Blast.

Can you use Quickened Spell on Eldritch Blast?

Yes. The Sorcerer’s Quickened Spell Metamagic option allows you to cast a spell as a bonus action. You can use it on Eldritch Blast, allowing you to cast it a second time in one turn.

Can Eldritch Blast be twinned?

Yes. Early in the game, a low level Eldritch blast has only one target and can be twinned. With additional beams, this option is no longer valid.

Is Eldritch Blast a good spell?

Yes. Eldritch Blast is considered one of the best damage cantrips in the game because of its flexibility and potential for optimization with Invocations. These invocations make it highly customizable and incredibly powerful.

What is the hidden advantage of Eldritch Blast?

Eldritch Blast has an instantaneous duration, which means all beams are fired at the same time. This is advantageous in certain combat situations. Also, in some specific situations, a hidden enemy may be able to use the attack with advantage.

Can you use Eldritch Blast twice?

Yes, there are several ways to use Eldritch Blast more than once in a turn. You can do this by using Action Surge as a Fighter, using the Quickened Metamagic option as a Sorcerer or gaining a bonus action attack somehow. It is important to note that extra Eldritch blasts from gaining class level do not stack.

Can a Warlock move between Eldritch Blast beams?

Yes. You can split up your movement on your turn, using some of your speed before your action (casting Eldritch Blast) and some after.

Does the Powerful Cantrip feature work with Eldritch Blast?

Yes, Powerful Cantrip can apply to Eldritch Blast. Each missed beam would add additional damage, if you have the related feat.

Does Hex trigger on each Eldritch Blast beam?

Yes, Hex does trigger on each successful attack roll of Eldritch Blast. This further enhances the cantrip’s damage output as each beam, if successful, provides additional damage.

Can Eldritch Blast hit allies?

Eldritch Blast, like most attack spells, can hit allies. This is not an automatic occurrence. Using the optional rules for cover from the Dungeon Master’s Guide, a creature in the way will offer half cover to the intended target.

Conclusion

While Eldritch Blast is synonymous with the Warlock class, the rules of D&D 5th Edition do allow some limited access for non-Warlocks. Through feats like Magic Initiate and class features like Magical Secrets, characters of other classes can learn and cast Eldritch Blast. However, it’s vital to understand that without levels in the Warlock class, a non-Warlock will not be able to utilize the powerful Eldritch Invocations that truly unlock the cantrip’s full potential. Therefore, while the answer to “Can non-Warlocks cast Eldritch Blast?” is technically yes, it comes with important limitations. The spell is best utilized when paired with the Warlock’s class-specific abilities.